Method and system using RFID tags for system re-configuration

ABSTRACT

A system and related methods for dynamically re-configuring a radio frequency identification tag reader, engaging software business processes, or combinations of both, using a radio-frequency-readable configuration tag which physically associated with one or more RFID-tagged articles in a physical handling flow. The configuration tag reader is positioned prior to a radio frequency identification tag reader in said material handling flow, which allows the configuration reader to read the contents of the configuration tags before the articles reach the identification tag reader. Based on the contents of the configuration tags, the identification tag reader can be re-configured dynamically, such as re-positioning a reader antenna or adjusting reader power levels, and specific business processes can be executed, such as triggering special reporting, surveillance, or handling procedures, specific business processes may be initiated, document generators may be engaged, or a combination of these actions may be performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (CLAIMING BENEFIT UNDER 35U.S.C. 120)

None.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT

This invention was not developed in conjunction with any Federallysponsored contract.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to Radio FrequencyIdentification technologies, and more specifically to methods for usingRFID tags to re-configure systems and operational parameters ofmaterials handling systems, computer servers, and the like.

2. Background of the Invention

Whereas the determination of a publication, technology, or product asprior art relative to the present invention requires analysis of certaindates and events not disclosed herein, no statements made within thisBackground of the Invention shall constitute an admission by theApplicants of prior art unless the term “Prior Art” is specificallystated. Otherwise, all statements provided within this Backgroundsection are “other information” related to or useful for understandingthe invention.

Many environments in which a number of items are handled have beenenhanced by the addition of Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”)technologies. Small “tags” are affixed to items or within theirpackaging which allow wireless, and often touch-free, “reading” of thetags' information. Individual products are often provided with an RFIDtag, containing data identifying the product, the manufacturer, and evena serial number for the particular item. When a tagged item is“scanned”, it passes near an RFID reader, which emits a radio frequencysignal to power the embedded integrated circuit in the RFID tag, andcauses the RFID tag to wirelessly transmit this data. The RFID readerthen receives the data, and routes it to a computer system, such as anelectronic cash register or inventory control system.

RFID tags have become useful in large scale material handling, such asin manufacturing, assembly, packaging, shipping, and receivingoperations, such as those shown in FIG. 5 a. In this illustration, asingle tagged item (51) travels on a conveyor belt or track (50),passing by an RFID reader (55). The tagged items may also be containedin small groups, such as a crate case (52), or in an even largercontainer of items such as a palletized gross (53).

In such a bulk handling situation, the speed of the conveyor (50) isusually set to the fastest possible speed at which the RFID tags ofindividual items (51) as well as all of the tags on items within thebulk packaging (51, 52) can be accurately read by the RFID reader (55).The RFID information is collected and processed by various commonsystems, such as inventory control systems, billing systems, etc.

In some scenarios, human operators, assemblers, service personnel, orthe like are stationed along side the conveyor. These persons may haveduties such as visually inspecting the items as they pass, performing anassembly action, performing a packing operation, or even performing arepair operation.

For handling of higher value items, and especially when human operatorsare part of the environment, video surveillance (54) may be provided inorder to assure careful handling of delicate items, to reduce theft orpilfering, and to allow for centralized management of a work area, suchas a production floor or shipping and receiving bay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes system embodiments as well as methods forimproving and automating certain changes of hardware configurations forRFID-based material handling systems, and for triggering businessprocesses according to configuration tag information.

For simplicity purposes, the following description will be madeaccording to an embodiment of the invention in which a first RFID tag isaffixed to a container, carton, or crate, holding a number of items,each of which is also provided with an RFID tag. The first RFID tag (theone attached to the bulk container) will be referred to as an RFConfiguration Tag, or RFCT. The RFCT may be of the same type or adifferent type of RFID device from the RFID tags on the individualitems. In other embodiments of the invention, both the RFCT and RFIDtags can be affixed to an individual item, and optionally the RFCT andRFID may be the same tag device storing two sets of information (e.g.configuration information and identification information).

The identification tag provides a unique identifier for each item, whilethe configuration tag can point to specific hardware configuration(s) toimplement, to one or more processes to initiate, to an informationsharing configuration to be engaged, to one or more documents to begenerated, or a combination of these triggered actions. For example, aspecific hardware configuration—often referred to as a hardwareprofile—can be exchanged for another one based on a RFCT read. This canbe accomplished by reading the configuration tag, requesting a set ofhardware configurations recorded in a predefined profile and activatinga hardware profile. Alternatively, or in conjunction with a hardwareprofile implementation, reading of a specific RFCT can trigger executionof one or more automated business processes or document generators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description when taken in conjunction with thefigures presented herein provide a complete disclosure of the invention.

FIG. 1 sets forth a generalized logical process according to theinvention.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show a generalized computing platform architecture,and a generalized organization of software and firmware of such acomputing platform architecture.

FIG. 3 a sets forth a logical process to deploy software to a client inwhich the deployed software embodies the methods and processes of thepresent and related inventions.

FIG. 3 b sets forth a logical process to integrate software to othersoftware programs in which the integrated software embodies the methodsand processes of the present and related inventions.

FIG. 3 c sets forth a logical process to execute software on behalf of aclient in an on-demand computing system, in which the executed softwareembodies the methods and processes of the present and relatedinventions.

FIG. 3 d sets forth a logical process to deploy software to a client viaa virtual private network, in which the deployed software embodies themethods and processes of the present and related inventions.

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, illustrate computer readable media of variousremovable and fixed types, signal transceivers, andparallel-to-serial-to-parallel signal circuits.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrates a material handling system and thephysical arrangement of components.

FIG. 6 shows the high-level arrangement of components according to theinvention.

FIG. 7 depicts the association of RF identification tags and RFconfiguration tags according to the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the hierarchy of information and devices per thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of the present and related inventions has recognizedproblems unaddressed in the art regarding configuration of RFID-basedsystems, especially as applied to material handling.

The present invention aims to solve a business problem which is not yetwidely recognized. It persists in all those situations whereradio-frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies are applied in away that requires flexibility of the system configuration in regard tohardware, software and information reporting.

Today, without the invention, RFID-based material handling systems arestatic in their configuration, and they are trained to perform a certainfunction within the narrow context of a single business process.

For example, RFID equipment may be installed and configured to only scanpallets or boxes on a conveyor belt. It is not easy—in many instancessimply impossible—to freely adjust the configuration of an RFID systemonce it is set. For example, to allow for increased speed of theconveyor system, the conveyor motor controls must be manually adjusted,and the position or distance from the RFID reader to the conveyor beltmay need to be manually decreased (e.g. decreasing distance between thetagged items and the reader generally increase the accuracy and speed atwhich the tags can be read). Or, if larger containers holding a greaterquantity of tagged items are to be handled on an existing system, theconveyor speed may have to be manually decreased, and the RFID antennamay have to be manually repositioned.

Further, in most handling systems, video surveillance is continuous ifpresent (e.g. capturing images during important times as well asirrelevant times), which may lead to capturing more video data thanrequired, thereby increasing cost of the system. Or, due to this cost,video surveillance may be omitted from the system configurationaltogether.

Such inflexible RFID systems subsequently cannot adjust when items otherthan what they were trained for pass through. Likewise, RFID-enabledbusiness processes will not change based on the context of a giventransaction.

The present invention enables a RFID system that can be flexibly, andautomatically reconfigured in a multiplicity of ways to always execute abest-possible configuration (or business process) based on externalinformation attached to the objects in a transaction.

According to the invention, Radio Frequency Configuration Tags (“RFCT”)are utilized to communicate from a handled item to a controlling systemwhich has certain controls that can be varied and set per configurationprofiles. The item passes by an RFID controller (61) as shown in FIG. 5b, the information in the RFCT is read, certain logical processes areperformed to determine any configuration changes to be implemented, anybusiness processes to be initiated or terminated, or both. Then, certainconfiguration changes are automatically implemented, such as speeding upor slowing down the conveyor speed, repositioning an RFID reader usingservo motors, or enabling/disabling data capture from a variety ofsensors, such as video cameras, based on sensor inputs, such as motionsensors, as will be described in more detail in the followingparagraphs. The RFCT are preferably affixed to the multiple-itemcontainers, and are preferably a separate RFID-like tag from the RFIDtag used to identify actual items. However, in alternate embodiments,the RFCT may be integrated into the RFID tags, and may be affixeddirectly to individual items.

One advantage of the invention is that the system can flexiblyreconfigure itself based on the objects and containers of objects thatpass through it without the necessity for a user input, manualadjustments, or maintenance processes. In other words, the RFCT systemgains the ability to react to the objects and containers of objects thatit sees by triggering a specific hardware configuration, software code,business processes, and document generators related to and relevant forthe object or subject that is tagged.

One distinctive point of novelty of the invention lies in the fact thatthe object that is passing through a RFID/RFCT system can determine thehardware and software configuration of said system. This capability doesnot exist today, whereas the RFID tags are only used to identify theobjects passing through the system, the material handling system beingstatically configured. The present invention can be applied in novelways to three key areas of RFID systems: (1) hardware, (2) software and(3) information reporting.

Example Hardware Configuration Controls

When the invention is applied to the hardware configuration of an RFIDsystem, for example, novel capabilities that result include the abilityto change physical parameters of the system.

RFID Antenna Position, Power and Polarization. RFCT information can beused to determine a new RFID reader antenna position, and to controlservo motors to achieve the new position, in order to accurately readRFID tags on smaller items, larger items, or items with weaker orstronger RFID response signals. Moving the antenna may also increase ordecrease the coverage area of the RFID reader, to compensate for largeror smaller containers of items to be read.

RFID systems today are rightfully constrained by concerns about thehuman beings in the process and near the operating equipment. As aresult, wattages are kept at a minimum to ensure work safety and workerhealth. The present invention can use inputs from sensors to measure ifa human being is close by and if no one is, can increase the wattage ofthe RFID reader antennae to enhance read rates and better guarantee readsuccess. As soon as a human being enters the field, the wattage isdecreased to standard (e.g. safer) levels again. Sensors such asweight-sensitive floor mats, electric eyes, and passive infrared (“PIR”)motion sensors can be utilized to detect the presence of a humanoperator or user.

Appropriate polarization of the RFID antenna can also improve theaccuracy of the reading actions, and as such, certain packaging andarrangements of RFID-tagged items may benefit from having thepolarization of the RFID antenna adjusted. Using the RFCT information,the invention can determine that a certain bulk container of RFID-taggeditems requires or would benefit from a changed polarization of theRFID-reader antenna, and can command the RFID reader subsystem to rotateor otherwise change the polarization appropriately. Some antennaepolarization can be repositioned mechanically, such as by servo motors,while others maybe adjusted electronically, while others have adjustablespace diversity, and multiple, selectable antennae in differentorientations.

Conveyor Speed. RFCT systems can control the speed of the conveyorsystem, which is otherwise ordinarily static or fixed. For example, ifthe RFCT information indicates that a larger than normal bulk package ison the conveyor, then the speed can be decreased to increase the amountof time a bulk package is within range of an RFID reader so that all ofthe RFID tags contained within the bulk package can be successfullyread. Conversely, if a smaller than normal package is determined to beon the conveyor based on the RFCT information, such as a string ofindividual items on the conveyor instead of the normal cases of items,then the conveyor motor can be sped up in order to allow the individualitems to be processed faster whereas they do not need to individuallyspend as much time as a case of items in the range of the RFID reader.

Video Surveillance. Using human-presence sensors such as those mentionedin the foregoing paragraphs regarding RFID antenna power, videosurveillance can be controlled in ways not previously possible. If acamera is present, and if the program logic determines from the RFCTinformation that video surveillance is to be enabled, a video camera canbe commanded to an “ON” state, and its video data stored to memory ordisk. But, when the RFCT information and program logic determines thatno video surveillance is needed, the camera can be automaticallyswitched off, thereby avoiding use of memory or disk space to storeunwanted video data. In this manner, during handling of especiallyvaluable items, especially fragile items, or during times requiringincreased tracking and traceability, video surveillance can beselectively engaged. A light stack may also be controlled using similarlogic decisions in order to improve video surveillance performance, orto provide automatic illumination of the package or item to be attendedto by the human operator. In manner, for example, only certain objectswith appropriately encoded RFCTs will trigger video surveillance captureto enable tracking of high-value goods or critical parts with video,while other objects do not require this additional surveillance, and assuch, their RFCT's would be coded to disable video surveillance.

Other Sensory Input. Other sensory inputs that can be received by theinvention and used decisions to command configuration changes, initiatebusiness processes, and generate documents include, but are not limitedto, motion sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, weightsensors, light sensors, and touch or infrared sensors. All of theseinputs types can be triggered by reading of an RFCT. For example, theinvention can utilize an RFCT to trigger a weight measurement, which mayonly be needed and initiated on certain packages or cartons, but not onothers.

Automatic Selection from Library of Business Processes

In the application of the present invention to the softwareconfiguration of an RFID system, novel capabilities result in the way inwhich the software selectively executes business processes. Without theinvention, RFID systems typically execute the same business processes oneach item handled through the system, thereby constraining the system tolimited uses and utility unless frequent, manual reconfiguration isperformed.

One novel application of the invention is that the RFID system isprovided with multiplicity of alternative business processes out ofwhich it can choose the best suited business process for handling eachitem (or bulk of items) based on the RFCT information.

For example, some materials are considered hazardous and will requirespecial handling while others are not. By applying an RFCT to hazardousmaterials indicating this special processing, the system can engagethese special processes automatically when such items are detected inthe system, without the need for special human operator input.

A second example is that it may be beneficial to trigger other ad hocbusiness processes based on the objects that are handled in certainsituations. A company might manufacture parts and materials that aresent to a number of customers who all have different quality inspectionneeds. By applying an appropriately coded RFCT, the system engage aquality process, would stop the current handling of materials (e.g. ashipping transaction), and would prompt the user to perform a qualityinspection first. Such an automatic trigger of human interaction can beuseful in other materials handling, such as processing importedproducts, or processing baggage and cargo to be loaded onto high-risktransportation (e.g. airlines, ships, trains, etc.). Such automatictriggering of human intervention is not possible with today's RFID-basedhandling systems.

Automatic Information Reporting and Sharing. In the application of theinvention to the fields of information reporting and sharing, novelcapabilities result from placing configuration tags on goods andmaterials that allow a trigger of specific alerts and reports based onthe RFCT's. For example, a configuration tag can be applied to ashipment of goods that will also tell the RFID system that an electronicnotification via text messaging (e.g. short message service or “SMS”) oremail needs to be sent to a specific manager or supervisor.

Relevance to Service Oriented Architecture Computing

In another embodiment of the invention, particular benefits arise inconjunction with International Business Machines' (“IBM”) ServiceOriented Architecture (“SOA”) computing paradigm. The present inventionis highly beneficial in embodiments of SOA in that it can be used totrigger a specific service based on RFCT reads. This will, for example,enable a supplier to ship tagged goods to a customer and then provide abusiness process to the customer based on a tag read event once thegoods arrive at their destination.

As previously stated, the RFID identification tag and the RFCTconfiguration tag can be one and the same or several physical RFID tags.In situations where the identification and configuration tags arecontained within one tag, a database would contain knowledge of whichconfiguration to utilize based on reading the unique tag ID. Insituations where there are separate identification and configurationtags, the configuration tag will trigger the identification andapplication of a specific hardware profile, business process or datareporting instruction.

System Arrangement of Components

FIG. 6 illustrates a high-level arrangement of system components, inwhich an RFCT Server (60) is interfaced to an RF Configuration TagReader Subsystem (63) which is positioned appropriately near theconveyor so as to read the RFCT tags on the packaged items.Configuration tag information is received from the RFCT Reader, and usedto retrieve hardware profiles (64), or engage business processes (65),or a combination of both. In practice, the RFCT and RFID tags may be ofdifferent types, such as different frequency devices, or one active typedevice and one passive type device. In such an embodiment, the RFCTReader Subsystem and the RFID Reader Subsystem would likely be differenttypes of systems, and separate from each other. However, in analternative embodiment, the RFCT devices and the RFID tags may be of thesame type, or may even be the same device (e.g. one device stores bothconfiguration control parameters as well as identification information).Likewise, the RFCT Reader Subsystem and the RFID Reader Subsystem mayalso be of the same type, or even be the same subsystem, wherein theadditional logical processing according to the invention would beimplemented to perform typical RFID functions as well as logicalprocesses to perform the RFCT operations as described herein. Asdiscussed in this disclosure, the RFCT is typically, but notnecessarily, affixed to the outside of a bulk container of RFID-taggeditems, in a position which is more easily accessible to the RFCT reader.Alternatively, however, the RFCT can be affixed to each item, or may beaffixed elsewhere to the bulk container (e.g. inside the crate, beneaththe lid or behind the door, etc.).

Based on retrieved hardware profiles (64), the conveyor subsystem can becommanded (50), such as to change conveyor speed, an RFID ReaderSubsystem (55) can be commanded, such as to change antenna parameters(e.g. polarization, power, position), and a video surveillance subsystem(54) can be commanded, such as to enable video data capture.

By having the RFCT reader read the RFCT tags (62) before the items orpackages of items reach the RFID reader (55), the invention is allowedto enact the hardware profiles (64) and/or business processes (65) intime for the items or packages of items to reach the RFID reader.

RFID Tag Hierarchy

As previously discussed, a preferred embodiment of the invention allowsfor an normal RFID tag (61 a, 61 b, . . . 61 n) to be affixed to eachitem (51), and for a single RF Configuration Tag (62) to be affixed tothe bulk container, such as a crate or palletized load of the items(51), as shown in FIG. 7. In this manner, the RFCT controls the hardwareconfiguration and/or engaged business logic for the entire bulkcontainer of items, while continuing to allow for individualizedtracking of the items, such as tracking by serial numbers.

From a data organization viewpoint, this creates a tag hierarchy (80),as illustrated in FIG. 8. In this figure, there are several data objectswhich represent information to select a RFID Reader hardware profilesand/or business processes. The appropriate data object is programmedinto an RFCT tag for attachment to a bulk container of items. The RFCTcan also be serialized to identify the specific carton, crate, or bulkof items.

Individual item RFID tags are also utilized, typically each beingserialized and programmed with information to identify the item (make,model, manufacturing date, etc.)

This hierarchy allows for multiple “types” of items to be handledaccording to their “type”, for each bulk package of items to be trackedindividually (by bulk container serial number), and for each individualitem to be tracked, as well.

Generalized Logical Process

Turning to FIG. 1, an generalized logical process according to thepresent invention is shown, in which a Radio Frequency Configuration Tag(“RFCT”) (62) is read (1001). Based upon the RFCT information, one ormore hardware profiles (64) are retrieved (1002), and appropriatecommands (1003) are sent to system components to reconfigure thematerial handling system to handle the item type identified by the RFCT.

Then, one or more business processes (65) are engaged (1004), one ormore document generators are started, or both, depending on the contentsof the RFCT, to complete the customization of the material handling forthe item type identified by the RFCT. Finally, RFID tag reading (1005)of the individual item RFID tags (61) is performed under there-configured conditions, and using the engaged business processes.

One or more documentation processes may also be automatically engaged,as mentioned in previous paragraphs, such as production of specialdocuments for export paperwork, or production of quality traceabilitydocuments.

In yet other embodiments, the invention may perform any combination ofautomatic reader hardware configuration changes, business processinitiation, and document production. For example, in one embodiment,certain business processes and document generators can be automaticallyinitiated without implementation of changes to the reader hardware.

Suitable Computing Platform

In one embodiment of the invention, the functionality of the RFIDreading and material handling system, including the previously describedlogical processes, are performed in part or wholly by software executedby a computer, such as personal computers, web servers, web browsers, oreven an appropriately capable portable computing platform, such aspersonal digital assistant (“PDA”), web-enabled wireless telephone, orother type of personal information management (“PIM”) device. Inalternate embodiments, some or all of the functionality of the inventionare realized in other logical forms, such as circuitry.

Therefore, it is useful to review a generalized architecture of acomputing platform which may span the range of implementation, from ahigh-end web or enterprise server platform, to a personal computer, to aportable PDA or web-enabled wireless phone.

Turning to FIG. 2 a, a generalized architecture is presented including acentral processing unit (21) (“CPU”), which is typically comprised of amicroprocessor (22) associated with random access memory (“RAM”) (24)and read-only memory (“ROM”) (25). Often, the CPU (21) is also providedwith cache memory (23) and programmable FlashROM (26). The interface(27) between the microprocessor (22) and the various types of CPU memoryis often referred to as a “local bus”, but also may be a more generic orindustry standard bus.

Many computing platforms are also provided with one or more storagedrives (29), such as hard-disk drives (“HDD”), floppy disk drives,compact disc drives (CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, etc.), and proprietarydisk and tape drives (e.g., Iomega Zip™ and Jaz™, Addonics SuperDisk™,etc.). Additionally, some storage drives may be accessible over acomputer network.

Many computing platforms are provided with one or more communicationinterfaces (210), according to the function intended of the computingplatform. For example, a personal computer is often provided with a highspeed serial port (RS-232, RS-422, etc.), an enhanced parallel port(“EPP”), and one or more universal serial bus (“USB”) ports. Thecomputing platform may also be provided with a local area network(“LAN”) interface, such as an Ethernet card, and other high-speedinterfaces such as the High Performance Serial Bus IEEE-1394.

Computing platforms such as wireless telephones and wireless networkedPDA's may also be provided with a radio frequency (“RF”) interface withantenna, as well. In some cases, the computing platform may be providedwith an infrared data arrangement (“IrDA”) interface, too.

Computing platforms are often equipped with one or more internalexpansion slots (211), such as Industry Standard Architecture (“ISA”),Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture (“EISA”), Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (“PCI”), or proprietary interface slots for the addition ofother hardware, such as sound cards, memory boards, and graphicsaccelerators.

Additionally, many units, such as laptop computers and PDA's, areprovided with one or more external expansion slots (212) allowing theuser the ability to easily install and remove hardware expansiondevices, such as PCMCIA cards, SmartMedia cards, and various proprietarymodules such as removable hard drives, CD drives, and floppy drives.

Often, the storage drives (29), communication interfaces (210), internalexpansion slots (211) and external expansion slots (212) areinterconnected with the CPU (21) via a standard or industry open busarchitecture (28), such as ISA, EISA, or PCI. In many cases, the bus(28) may be of a proprietary design.

A computing platform is usually provided with one or more user inputdevices, such as a keyboard or a keypad (216), and mouse or pointerdevice (217), and/or a touch-screen display (218). In the case of apersonal computer, a full size keyboard is often provided along with amouse or pointer device, such as a track ball or TrackPoint™. In thecase of a web-enabled wireless telephone, a simple keypad may beprovided with one or more function-specific keys. In the case of a PDA,a touch-screen (218) is usually provided, often with handwritingrecognition capabilities.

Additionally, a microphone (219), such as the microphone of aweb-enabled wireless telephone or the microphone of a personal computer,is supplied with the computing platform. This microphone may be used forsimply reporting audio and voice signals, and it may also be used forentering user choices, such as voice navigation of web sites orauto-dialing telephone numbers, using voice recognition capabilities.

Many computing platforms are also equipped with a camera device (2100),such as a still digital camera or full motion video digital camera.

One or more user output devices, such as a display (213), are alsoprovided with most computing platforms. The display (213) may take manyforms, including a Cathode Ray Tube (“CRT”), a Thin Flat Transistor(“TFT”) array, or a simple set of light emitting diodes (“LED”) orliquid crystal display (“LCD”) indicators.

One or more speakers (214) and/or annunciators (215) are oftenassociated with computing platforms, too. The speakers (214) may be usedto reproduce audio and music, such as the speaker of a wirelesstelephone or the speakers of a personal computer. Annunciators (215) maytake the form of simple beep emitters or buzzers, commonly found oncertain devices such as PDAs and PIMs.

These user input and output devices may be directly interconnected (28′,28″) to the CPU (21) via a proprietary bus structure and/or interfaces,or they may be interconnected through one or more industry open busessuch as ISA, EISA, PCI, etc.

The computing platform is also provided with one or more software andfirmware (2101) programs to implement the desired functionality of thecomputing platforms.

Turning to now FIG. 2 b, more detail is given of a generalizedorganization of software and firmware (2101) on this range of computingplatforms. One or more operating system (“OS”) native applicationprograms (223) may be provided on the computing platform, such as wordprocessors, spreadsheets, contact management utilities, address book,calendar, email client, presentation, financial and bookkeepingprograms.

Additionally, one or more “portable” or device-independent programs(224) may be provided, which must be interpreted by an OS-nativeplatform-specific interpreter (225), such as Java™ scripts and programs.

Often, computing platforms are also provided with a form of web browseror micro-browser (226), which may also include one or more extensions tothe browser such as browser plug-ins (227).

The computing device is often provided with an operating system (220),such as Microsoft Windows™, UNIX, IBM OS/2™, IBM AIX™, open sourceLINUX, Apple's MAC OS™, or other platform specific operating systems.Smaller devices such as PDA's and wireless telephones may be equippedwith other forms of operating systems such as real-time operatingsystems (“RTOS”) or Palm Computing's PalmOS™.

A set of basic input and output functions (“BIOS”) and hardware devicedrivers (221) are often provided to allow the operating system (220) andprograms to interface to and control the specific hardware functionsprovided with the computing platform.

Additionally, one or more embedded firmware programs (222) are commonlyprovided with many computing platforms, which are executed by onboard or“embedded” microprocessors as part of the peripheral device, such as amicro controller or a hard drive, a communication processor, networkinterface card, or sound or graphics card.

As such, FIGS. 2 a and 2 b describe in a general sense the varioushardware components, software and firmware programs of a wide variety ofcomputing platforms, including but not limited to personal computers,PDAs, PIMs, web-enabled telephones, and other appliances such as WebTV™units. As such, we now turn our attention to disclosure of the presentinvention relative to the processes and methods preferably implementedas software and firmware on such a computing platform. It will bereadily recognized by those skilled in the art that the followingmethods and processes may be alternatively realized as hardwarefunctions, in part or in whole, without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

Service-Based Embodiments

Alternative embodiments of the present invention include some or all ofthe foregoing logical processes and functions of the invention beingprovided by configuring software, deploying software, downloadingsoftware, distributing software, or remotely serving clients in an ondemand environment.

Software Deployment Embodiment. According to one embodiment of theinvention, the methods and processes of the invention are distributed ordeployed as a service by a service provider to a client's computingsystem(s).

Turning to FIG. 3 a, the deployment process begins (3000) by determining(3001) if there are any programs that will reside on a server or serverswhen the process software is executed. If this is the case, then theservers that will contain the executables are identified (309). Theprocess software for the server or servers is transferred directly tothe servers storage via FTP or some other protocol or by copying throughthe use of a shared files system (310). The process software is theninstalled on the servers (311).

Next a determination is made on whether the process software is to bedeployed by having users access the process software on a server orservers (3002). If the users are to access the process software onservers, then the server addresses that will store the process softwareare identified (3003).

In step (3004) a determination is made whether the process software isto be developed by sending the process software to users via e-mail. Theset of users where the process software will be deployed are identifiedtogether with the addresses of the user client computers (3005). Theprocess software is sent via e-mail to each of the user's clientcomputers. The users then receive the e-mail (305) and then detach theprocess software from the e-mail to a directory on their clientcomputers (306). The user executes the program that installs the processsoftware on his client computer (312) then exits the process (3008).

A determination is made if a proxy server is to be built (300) to storethe process software. A proxy server is a server that sits between aclient application, such as a Web browser, and a real server. Itintercepts all requests to the real server to see if it can fulfill therequests itself. If not, it forwards the request to the real server. Thetwo primary benefits of a proxy server are to improve performance and tofilter requests. If a proxy server is required then the proxy server isinstalled (301). The process software is sent to the servers either viaa protocol such as FTP or it is copied directly from the source files tothe server files via file sharing (302). Another embodiment would be tosend a transaction to the servers that contained the process softwareand have the server process the transaction, then receive and copy theprocess software to the server's file system. Once the process softwareis stored at the servers, the users via their client computers, thenaccess the process software on the servers and copy to their clientcomputers file systems (303). Another embodiment is to have the serversautomatically copy the process software to each client and then run theinstallation program for the process software at each client computer.The user executes the program that installs the process software on hisclient computer (312) then exits the process (3008).

Lastly, a determination is made on whether the process software will besent directly to user directories on their client computers (3006). Ifso, the user directories are identified (3007). The process software istransferred directly to the user's client computer directory (307). Thiscan be done in several ways such as, but not limited to, sharing of thefile system directories and then copying from the sender's file systemto the recipient user's file system or alternatively using a transferprotocol such as File Transfer Protocol (“FTP”). The users access thedirectories on their client file systems in preparation for installingthe process software (308). The user executes the program that installsthe process software on his client computer (312) then exits the process(3008).

Software Integration Embodiment. According to another embodiment of thepresent invention, software embodying the methods and processesdisclosed herein are integrated as a service by a service provider toother software applications, applets, or computing systems.

Integration of the invention generally includes providing for theprocess software to coexist with applications, operating systems andnetwork operating systems software and then installing the processsoftware on the clients and servers in the environment where the processsoftware will function.

Generally speaking, the first task is to identify any software on theclients and servers including the network operating system where theprocess software will be deployed that are required by the processsoftware or that work in conjunction with the process software. Thisincludes the network operating system that is software that enhances abasic operating system by adding networking features. Next, the softwareapplications and version numbers will be identified and compared to thelist of software applications and version numbers that have been testedto work with the process software. Those software applications that aremissing or that do not match the correct version will be upgraded withthe correct version numbers. Program instructions that pass parametersfrom the process software to the software applications will be checkedto ensure the parameter lists matches the parameter lists required bythe process software. Conversely parameters passed by the softwareapplications to the process software will be checked to ensure theparameters match the parameters required by the process software. Theclient and server operating systems including the network operatingsystems will be identified and compared to the list of operatingsystems, version numbers and network software that have been tested towork with the process software. Those operating systems, version numbersand network software that do not match the list of tested operatingsystems and version numbers will be upgraded on the clients and serversto the required level.

After ensuring that the software, where the process software is to bedeployed, is at the correct version level that has been tested to workwith the process software, the integration is completed by installingthe process software on the clients and servers.

Turning to FIG. 3 b, details of the integration process according to theinvention are shown. Integrating begins (320) by determining if thereare any process software programs that will execute on a server orservers (321). If this is not the case, then integration proceeds to(327). If this is the case, then the server addresses are identified(322). The servers are checked to see if they contain software thatincludes the operating system (“OS”), applications, and networkoperating systems (“NOS”), together with their version numbers, thathave been tested with the process software (323). The servers are alsochecked to determine if there is any missing software that is requiredby the process software (323).

A determination is made if the version numbers match the version numbersof OS, applications and NOS that have been tested with the processsoftware (324). If all of the versions match, then processing continues(327). Otherwise, if one or more of the version numbers do not match,then the unmatched versions are updated on the server or servers withthe correct versions (325). Additionally, if there is missing requiredsoftware, then it is updated on the server or servers (325). The serverintegration is completed by installing the process software (326).

Step (327) which follows either (321), (324), or (326) determines ifthere are any programs of the process software that will execute on theclients. If no process software programs execute on the clients, theintegration proceeds to (330) and exits. If this is not the case, thenthe client addresses are identified (328).

The clients are checked to see if they contain software that includesthe operating system (“OS”), applications, and network operating systems(“NOS”), together with their version numbers, that have been tested withthe process software (329). The clients are also checked to determine ifthere is any missing software that is required by the process software(329).

A determination is made if the version numbers match the version numbersof OS, applications and NOS that have been tested with the processsoftware 331. If all of the versions match and there is no missingrequired software, then the integration proceeds to (330) and exits.

If one or more of the version numbers do not match, then the unmatchedversions are updated on the clients with the correct versions (332). Inaddition, if there is missing required software then it is updated onthe clients (332). The client integration is completed by installing theprocess software on the clients (333). The integration proceeds to (330)and exits.

Application Programming Interface Embodiment. In another embodiment, theinvention may be realized as a service or functionality available toother systems and devices via an Application Programming Interface(“API”). One such embodiment is to provide the service to a clientsystem from a server system as a web service.

On-Demand Computing Services Embodiment. According to another aspect ofthe present invention, the processes and methods disclosed herein areprovided through an on demand computing architecture to render serviceto a client by a service provider.

Turning to FIG. 3 c, generally speaking, the process software embodyingthe methods disclosed herein is shared, simultaneously serving multiplecustomers in a flexible, automated fashion. It is standardized,requiring little customization and it is scaleable, providing capacityon demand in a pay-as-you-go model.

The process software can be stored on a shared file system accessiblefrom one or more servers. The process software is executed viatransactions that contain data and server processing requests that useCPU units on the accessed server. CPU units are units of time such asminutes, seconds, hours on the central processor of the server.Additionally, the assessed server may make requests of other serversthat require CPU units. CPU units are an example that represents but onemeasurement of use. Other measurements of use include but are notlimited to network bandwidth, memory usage, storage usage, packettransfers, complete transactions, etc.

When multiple customers use the same process software application, theirtransactions are differentiated by the parameters included in thetransactions that identify the unique customer and the type of servicefor that customer. All of the CPU units and other measurements of usethat are used for the services for each customer are recorded. When thenumber of transactions to any one server reaches a number that begins toeffect the performance of that server, other servers are accessed toincrease the capacity and to share the workload. Likewise, when othermeasurements of use such as network bandwidth, memory usage, storageusage, etc. approach a capacity so as to effect performance, additionalnetwork bandwidth, memory usage, storage etc. are added to share theworkload.

The measurements of use used for each service and customer are sent to acollecting server that sums the measurements of use for each customerfor each service that was processed anywhere in the network of serversthat provide the shared execution of the process software. The summedmeasurements of use units are periodically multiplied by unit costs andthe resulting total process software application service costs arealternatively sent to the customer and or indicated on a web siteaccessed by the computer which then remits payment to the serviceprovider.

In another embodiment, the service provider requests payment directlyfrom a customer account at a banking or financial institution.

In another embodiment, if the service provider is also a customer of thecustomer that uses the process software application, the payment owed tothe service provider is reconciled to the payment owed by the serviceprovider to minimize the transfer of payments.

FIG. 3 c sets forth a detailed logical process which makes the presentinvention available to a client through an On-Demand process. Atransaction is created that contains the unique customer identification,the requested service type and any service parameters that furtherspecify the type of service (341). The transaction is then sent to themain server (342). In an On-Demand environment the main server caninitially be the only server, then as capacity is consumed other serversare added to the On-Demand environment.

The server central processing unit (“CPU”) capacities in the On-Demandenvironment are queried (343). The CPU requirement of the transaction isestimated, then the servers available CPU capacity in the On-Demandenvironment are compared to the transaction CPU requirement to see ifthere is sufficient CPU available capacity in any server to process thetransaction (344). If there is not sufficient server CPU availablecapacity, then additional server CPU capacity is allocated to processthe transaction (348). If there was already sufficient available CPUcapacity, then the transaction is sent to a selected server (345).

Before executing the transaction, a check is made of the remainingOn-Demand environment to determine if the environment has sufficientavailable capacity for processing the transaction. This environmentcapacity consists of such things as, but not limited to, networkbandwidth, processor memory, storage etc. (345). If there is notsufficient available capacity, then capacity will be added to theOn-Demand environment (347). Next, the required software to process thetransaction is accessed, loaded into memory, then the transaction isexecuted (349).

The usage measurements are recorded (350). The usage measurementsconsists of the portions of those functions in the On-Demand environmentthat are used to process the transaction. The usage of such functionsas, but not limited to, network bandwidth, processor memory, storage andCPU cycles are what is recorded. The usage measurements are summed,multiplied by unit costs and then recorded as a charge to the requestingcustomer (351).

If the customer has requested that the On-Demand costs be posted to aweb site (352), then they are posted (353). If the customer hasrequested that the On-Demand costs be sent via e-mail to a customeraddress (354), then they are sent (355). If the customer has requestedthat the On-Demand costs be paid directly from a customer account (356),then payment is received directly from the customer account (357). Thelast step is to exit the On-Demand process.

Grid or Parallel Processing Embodiment. According to another embodimentof the present invention, multiple computers are used to simultaneouslyprocess individual audio tracks, individual audio snippets, or acombination of both, to yield output with less delay. Such a parallelcomputing approach may be realized using multiple discrete systems (e.g.a plurality of servers, clients, or both), or may be realized as aninternal multiprocessing task (e.g. a single system with parallelprocessing capabilities).

VPN Deployment Embodiment. According to another aspect of the presentinvention, the methods and processes described herein may be embodied inpart or in entirety in software which can be deployed to third partiesas part of a service, wherein a third party VPN service is offered as asecure deployment vehicle or wherein a VPN is build on-demand asrequired for a specific deployment.

A virtual private network (“VPN”) is any combination of technologiesthat can be used to secure a connection through an otherwise unsecuredor untrusted network. VPNs improve security and reduce operationalcosts. The VPN makes use of a public network, usually the Internet, toconnect remote sites or users together. Instead of using a dedicated,real-world connection such as leased line, the VPN uses “virtual”connections routed through the Internet from the company's privatenetwork to the remote site or employee. Access to the software via a VPNcan be provided as a service by specifically constructing the VPN forpurposes of delivery or execution of the process software (i.e. thesoftware resides elsewhere) wherein the lifetime of the VPN is limitedto a given period of time or a given number of deployments based on anamount paid.

The process software may be deployed, accessed and executed througheither a remote-access or a site-to-site VPN. When using theremote-access VPNs the process software is deployed, accessed andexecuted via the secure, encrypted connections between a company'sprivate network and remote users through a third-party service provider.The enterprise service provider (“ESP”) sets a network access server(“NAS”) and provides the remote users with desktop client software fortheir computers. The telecommuters can then dial a toll-free number toattach directly via a cable or DSL modem to reach the NAS and use theirVPN client software to access the corporate network and to access,download and execute the process software.

When using the site-to-site VPN, the process software is deployed,accessed and executed through the use of dedicated equipment andlarge-scale encryption that are used to connect a company's multiplefixed sites over a public network such as the Internet.

The process software is transported over the VPN via tunneling which isthe process of placing an entire packet within another packet andsending it over the network. The protocol of the outer packet isunderstood by the network and both points, called tunnel interfaces,where the packet enters and exits the network.

Turning to FIG. 3 d, VPN deployment process starts (360) by determiningif a VPN for remote access is required (361). If it is not required,then proceed to (362). If it is required, then determine if the remoteaccess VPN exits (364).

If a VPN does exist, then the VPN deployment process proceeds (365) toidentify a third party provider that will provide the secure, encryptedconnections between the company's private network and the company'sremote users (376). The company's remote users are identified (377). Thethird party provider then sets up a network access server (“NAS”) (378)that allows the remote users to dial a toll free number or attachdirectly via a broadband modem to access, download and install thedesktop client software for the remote-access VPN (379).

After the remote access VPN has been built or if it has been previouslyinstalled, the remote users can access the process software by dialinginto the NAS or attaching directly via a cable or DSL modem into the NAS(365). This allows entry into the corporate network where the processsoftware is accessed (366). The process software is transported to theremote user's desktop over the network via tunneling. That is theprocess software is divided into packets and each packet including thedata and protocol is placed within another packet (367). When theprocess software arrives at the remote user's desktop, it is removedfrom the packets, reconstituted and then is executed on the remote usersdesktop (368).

A determination is made to see if a VPN for site to site access isrequired (362). If it is not required, then proceed to exit the process(363). Otherwise, determine if the site to site VPN exists (369). If itdoes exist, then proceed to (372). Otherwise, install the dedicatedequipment required to establish a site to site VPN (370). Then, buildthe large scale encryption into the VPN (371).

After the site to site VPN has been built or if it had been previouslyestablished, the users access the process software via the VPN (372).The process software is transported to the site users over the networkvia tunneling. That is the process software is divided into packets andeach packet including the data and protocol is placed within anotherpacket (374). When the process software arrives at the remote user'sdesktop, it is removed from the packets, reconstituted and is executedon the site users desktop (375). Proceed to exit the process (363).

Computer-Readable Media Embodiments

In another embodiment of the invention, logical processes according tothe invention and described herein are encoded on or in one or morecomputer-readable media. Some computer-readable media are read-only(e.g. they must be initially programmed using a different device thanthat which is ultimately used to read the data from the media), some arewrite-only (e.g. from the data encoders perspective they can only beencoded, but not read simultaneously), or read-write. Still some othermedia are write-once, read-many-times.

Some media are relatively fixed in their mounting mechanisms, whileothers are removable, or even transmittable. All computer-readable mediaform two types of systems when encoded with data and/or computersoftware: (a) when removed from a drive or reading mechanism, they arememory devices which generate useful data-driven outputs when stimulatedwith appropriate electromagnetic, electronic, and/or optical signals;and (b) when installed in a drive or reading device, they form a datarepository system accessible by a computer.

FIG. 4 a illustrates some computer readable media including a computerhard drive (40) having one or more magnetically encoded platters ordisks (41), which may be read, written, or both, by one or more heads(42). Such hard drives are typically semi-permanently mounted into acomplete drive unit, which may then be integrated into a configurablecomputer system such as a Personal Computer, Server Computer, or thelike.

Similarly, another form of computer readable media is a flexible,removable “floppy disk” (43), which is inserted into a drive whichhouses an access head. The floppy disk typically includes a flexible,magnetically encodable disk which is accessible by the drive headthrough a window (45) in a sliding cover (44).

A Compact Disk (“CD”) (46) is usually a plastic disk which is encodedusing an optical and/or magneto-optical process, and then is read usinggenerally an optical process. Some CD's are read-only (“CD-ROM”), andare mass produced prior to distribution and use by reading-types ofdrives. Other CD's are writable (e.g. “CD-RW”, “CD-R”), either once ormany time. Digital Versatile Disks (“DVD”) are advanced versions of CD'swhich often include double-sided encoding of data, and even multiplelayer encoding of data. Like a floppy disk, a CD or DVD is a removablemedia.

Another common type of removable media are several types of removablecircuit-based (e.g. solid state) memory devices, such as Compact Flash(“CF”) (47), Secure Data (“SD”), Sony's MemoryStick, Universal SerialBus (“USB”) FlashDrives and “Thumbdrives” (49), and others. Thesedevices are typically plastic housings which incorporate a digitalmemory chip, such as a battery-backed random access chip (“RAM”), or aFlash Read-Only Memory (“FlashROM”). Available to the external portionof the media is one or more electronic connectors (48, 400) for engaginga connector, such as a CF drive slot or a USB slot. Devices such as aUSB FlashDrive are accessed using a serial data methodology, where otherdevices such as the CF are accessed using a parallel methodology. Thesedevices often offer faster access times than disk-based media, as wellas increased reliability and decreased susceptibility to mechanicalshock and vibration. Often, they provide less storage capability thancomparably priced disk-based media.

Yet another type of computer readable media device is a memory module(403), often referred to as a SIMM or DIMM. Similar to the CF, SD, andFlashDrives, these modules incorporate one or more memory devices (402),such as Dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), mounted on a circuit board (401) havingone or more electronic connectors for engaging and interfacing toanother circuit, such as a Personal Computer motherboard. These types ofmemory modules are not usually encased in an outer housing, as they areintended for installation by trained technicians, and are generallyprotected by a larger outer housing such as a Personal Computer chassis.

Turning now to FIG. 4 b, another embodiment option (405) of the presentinvention is shown in which a computer-readable signal is encoded withsoftware, data, or both, which implement logical processes according tothe invention. FIG. 4 b is generalized to represent the functionality ofwireless, wired, electro-optical, and optical signaling systems. Forexample, the system shown in FIG. 4 b can be realized in a mannersuitable for wireless transmission over Radio Frequencies (“RF”), aswell as over optical signals, such as InfraRed Data Arrangement(“IrDA”). The system of FIG. 4 b may also be realized in another mannerto serve as a data transmitter, data receiver, or data transceiver for aUSB system, such as a drive to read the aforementioned USB FlashDrive,or to access the serially-stored data on a disk, such as a CD or harddrive platter.

In general, a microprocessor or microcontroller (406) reads, writes, orboth, data to/from storage for data, program, or both (407). A datainterface (409), optionally including a digital-to-analog converter,cooperates with an optional protocol stack (408), to send, receive, ortransceive data between the system front-end (410) and themicroprocessor (406). The protocol stack is adapted to the signal typebeing sent, received, or transceived. For example, in a Local AreaNetwork (“LAN”) embodiment, the protocol stack may implementTransmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”). In acomputer-to-computer or computer-to-peripheral embodiment, the protocolstack may implement all or portions of USB, “FireWire”, RS-232,Point-to-Point Protocol (“PPP”), etc.

The system's front-end, or analog front-end, is adapted to the signaltype being modulated, demodulate, or transcoded. For example, in anRF-based (413) system, the analog front-end comprises various localoscillators, modulators, demodulators, etc., which implement signalingformats such as Frequency Modulation (“FM”), Amplitude Modulation(“AM”), Phase Modulation (“PM”), Pulse Code Modulation (“PCM”), etc.Such an RF-based embodiment typically includes an antenna (414) fortransmitting, receiving, or transceiving electromagnetic signals viaopen air, water, earth, or via RF wave guides and coaxial cable. Somecommon open air transmission standards are BlueTooth, Global Servicesfor Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Time Division Multiple Access(“TDMA”), Advanced Mobile Phone Service (“AMPS”), and Wireless Fidelity(“Wi-Fi”).

In another example embodiment, the analog front-end may be adapted tosending, receiving, or transceiving signals via an optical interface(415), such as laser-based optical interfaces (e.g. Wavelength DivisionMultiplexed, SONET, etc.), or Infra Red Data Arrangement (“IrDA”)interfaces (416). Similarly, the analog front-end may be adapted tosending, receiving, or transceiving signals via cable (412) using acable interface, which also includes embodiments such as USB, Ethernet,LAN, twisted-pair, coax, Plain-old Telephone Service (“POTS”), etc.

Signals transmitted, received, or transceived, as well as data encodedon disks or in memory devices, may be encoded to protect it fromunauthorized decoding and use. Other types of encoding may be employedto allow for error detection, and in some cases, correction, such as byaddition of parity bits or Cyclic Redundancy Codes (“CRC”). Still othertypes of encoding may be employed to allow directing or “routing” ofdata to the correct destination, such as packet and frame-basedprotocols.

FIG. 4 c illustrates conversion systems which convert parallel data toand from serial data. Parallel data is most often directly usable bymicroprocessors, often formatted in 8-bit wide bytes, 16-bit wide words,32-bit wide double words, etc. Parallel data can represent executable orinterpretable software, or it may represent data values, for use by acomputer. Data is often serialized in order to transmit it over a media,such as a RF or optical channel, or to record it onto a media, such as adisk. As such, many computer-readable media systems include circuits,software, or both, to perform data serialization and re-parallelization.

Parallel data (421) can be represented as the flow of data signalsaligned in time, such that parallel data unit (byte, word, d-word, etc.)(422, 423, 424) is transmitted with each bit D₀-D_(n) being on a bus orsignal carrier simultaneously, where the “width” of the data unit isn−1. In some systems, D₀ is used to represent the least significant bit(“LSB”), and in other systems, it represents the most significant bit(“MSB”). Data is serialized (421) by sending one bit at a time, suchthat each data unit (422, 423, 424) is sent in serial fashion, one afteranother, typically according to a protocol.

As such, the parallel data stored in computer memory (407, 407′) isoften accessed by a microprocessor or Parallel-to-Serial Converter (425,425′) via a parallel bus (421), and exchanged (e.g. transmitted,received, or transceived) via a serial bus (421′). Received serial datais converted back into parallel data before storing it in computermemory, usually. The serial bus (421′) generalized in FIG. 4 c may be awired bus, such as USB or Firewire, or a wireless communications medium,such as an RF or optical channel, as previously discussed.

In these manners, various embodiments of the invention may be realizedby encoding software, data, or both, according to the logical processesof the invention, into one or more computer-readable mediums, therebyyielding a product of manufacture and a system which, when properlyread, received, or decoded, yields useful programming instructions,data, or both, including, but not limited to, the computer-readablemedia types described in the foregoing paragraphs.

CONCLUSION

While certain examples and details of a preferred embodiment have beendisclosed, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art thatvariations in implementation such as use of different programmingmethodologies, computing platforms, and processing technologies, may beadopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe following claims.

1. A system for configuring a radio frequency identification tag readercomprising: a radio-frequency-readable configuration tag physicallyassociated with one or more physical articles in a physical articlehandling system, the configuration tag storing one or more configurationcontrol parameters, each of the one or more physical articles having atleast one radio-frequency-readable identification tag; a user-proximitydetector to detect two or more user presence indicators selected fromthe group consisting of user movement detector, user weight detector, anelectronic eye beam, and a user temperature detector; a configurationtag reader positioned in a flow of physical articles of the physicalarticle handling system to read the one or more configuration controlparameters from the configuration tag reader before the one or morephysical articles pass a position of the identification tag reader inthe flow; and a commander configured to receive the one or moreconfiguration control parameters from the configuration tag reader, andto command a change in one or more hardware configuration options of thephysical article handling system, wherein the change comprisescommanding a slowing of speed of a conveyor portion of the physicalarticle handling system responsive to detection of a user in proximityto the flow by the user-proximity detector, and responsive to nodetection of a user in proximity to the flow, increasing of speed of theconveyor portion.
 2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein thecommander is further configured to engage at least one computer-basedbusiness process according to the one or more read configuration controlparameters.
 3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the commanderis further configured to engage at least one document generatoraccording to the one or more read configuration control parameters. 4.The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the configuration tag isassociated with a physical container holding the one or more physicalarticles.
 5. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the commander isconfigured to command a servo motor to make a position adjustment for anantenna of the identification tag reader according to the one or moreread configuration control parameters.
 6. The system as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the commander is configured to command a radio signalpower level for an antenna of the said identification tag readeraccording to the oen or more read configuration control parameters. 7.The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the commander furthercommands, responsive to detection of a user in the proximity, changingan antenna power level of the identification tag reader.
 8. The systemas set forth in claim 1 wherein the commander further commands,responsive to detection of a user in the proximity, engaging a hazardousmaterial handling business process.
 9. The system as set forth in claim1 wherein the commander is configured to command a polarization optionof an antenna of the identification tag reader.
 10. The system as setforth in claim 1 wherein the commander is configured to command a videomonitor subsystem to surveil an area of handling of the one or morephysical articles.
 11. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein theradio-frequency-readable configuration tag and one of the at least oneradio-frequency-readable identification tags are integral with eachother.
 12. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the commander isfurther configured to send an electronic notification of receiving theone or more configuration control parameters.
 13. The system as setforth in claim 12 wherein the electronic notification comprises anotification selected from the group consisting of an electronic mailmessage, an electronic text message, a human readable report, and acomputer readable report.
 14. The system as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe commander comprises one or more sensor inputs for receiving sensorsignals from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a motionsensor, a weight-sensitive floor mat, a temperature sensor, a lightsensor, a touch sensor, and a humidity sensor, and wherein the commanderis further configured to utilize the sensor inputs in order to performone or more actions selected from the group consisting of commanding achange in a hardware configuration of the identification tag reader,initiating a business process, and engaging a document generator.
 15. Amethod for configuring a radio frequency identification tag reader, thesystem comprising: storing one or more configuration control parametersin a radio-frequency-readable configuration tag; physically associatingthe radio-frequency-readable configuration tag with one or more physicalarticles in a physical article handling system, each of the one or morephysical articles having at least one radio-frequency-readableidentification tag; providing a configuration tag reader positioned in aflow of physical articles of the physical article handling flow systemto read the one or more configuration control parameters from theconfiguration tag reader before the one or more physical articles pass aposition of the identification tag reader in the flow; detecting by auser-proximity detection device two or more user presence indicatorsselected from the group consisting of user movement detector, userweight detector, an electronic eye beam, and a user temperaturedetector; receiving by a commander the configuration control parametersfrom the configuration tag via the configuration tag reader; andcommanding by the commander a change in one or more hardwareconfiguration options in the radio frequency identification tag readeraccording to the read one or more configuration control parameters,wherein the change comprises slowing a speed of a conveyor portion ofthe physical article handling system responsive to detection of a userin proximity to the flow by the user-proximity detector, and responsiveto no detection of a user in proximity to the flow, increasing of speedof the conveyor portion.
 16. A computer program product for controllinga radio frequency identification tag reader, the computer programproduct comprising: one or more computer-readable, tangible storagedevices; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or morestorage devices, to receive one or more configuration control parametersfrom a configuration tag reader; program instructions, stored on atleast one of the one or more storage devices, to receive a detectionsignal from a user-proximity detector which detects two or more userpresence indicators selected from the group consisting of user movementdetector, user weight detector, an electronic eye beam, and a usertemperature detector; program instructions, stored on at least one ofthe one or more storage devices, to retrieve at least one hardwareprofile according to the one or more received control parameters; andprogram instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storagedevices, to command a change in one or more hardware configurationoptions in a radio frequency identification tag reader according to theretrieved at least one hardware profile, wherein the change comprisesslowing a speed of a physical article conveyor system responsive todetection of a user in proximity to the flow by the user-proximitydetector, and responsive to no detection of a user in proximity to theflow, increasing of speed of the conveyor portion.